Awamiko Shrine, Shinto shrine in Japan

Awamiko Shrine is a small sanctuary on the west coast of Ikenoura, built in the traditional Shinmei-zukuri style with natural wood materials and clean lines. The site honors a goddess linked to the Ise Jingu complex and is marked by simple offerings and a peaceful appearance.

Awamiko Shrine is a sessha of Ise Jingu's Naiku, ranked 19th of its 27 sessha, so it was founded before the Engishiki shrine register of 927. The Engishiki listing implies foundation before 927, and the Yamatohime-no-mikoto Seiki records that Yamatohime-no-mikoto named the deity Awamiko-no-kami and established the shrine on her return from Shima. It first stood on Nakanoshima in Ikenoura; after worship lapsed it was moved in 1692 to the Toritomi coast facing the island, then relocated to its present site in 1712 after storm damage. The shrine building was rebuilt in April 1908.

The shrine's name comes from Awamiko, the name Empress Jingu's legendary journey gave the deity worshipped at Ikenoura, and the goddess is also called Awamiko-no-kami. The shrine stands within the grounds of the hotel Ryoso Umi no Cho, and visitors ask at the front desk to pass through to it.

The shrine stands within the grounds of the Ryoso Umi no Cho hotel; ask at the front desk to pass through to it, following the signs. On foot from JR Matsushita Station, walk about 20 minutes along the forest road, which includes a marsh and cannot be used by bicycle, then follow the coastline from the embankment. By car, take Route 42 from Toba IC, about 2.2 km; cars reach only the hotel, not the shrine.

The shrine stands on land inside the grounds of the hotel Ryoso Umi no Cho; visitors ask at the front desk to pass through to the shrine, and signboards mark the route. Of the 125 sites making up Ise Jingu, it lies closest to the sea, on a cape above Ikenoura beach.